Estate

The Fursdon Estate, near Exeter, Devon consists of about 750 acres of arable, pastureland, parkland, orchards and woodland.

The diversity of landscape, combined with some of the most stunning views Devon has to offer, makes the Fursdon Estate a perfect place to walk and enjoy the countryside. Fursdon is a traditional country farm estate that has recently moved from a mix of arable and pasture land to mainly pasture for livestock grazing.

Environmental stewardship

Fursdon’s farmland is currently undergoing organic conversion. Additionally, we are part of a countryside stewardship scheme that aims to enhance biodiversity, water quality and combat climate change. Several areas on the Fursdon estate have recently received County Wildlife status, reflecting their importance for particular wildlife habitat or for special wild plants or animals. Fursdon works closely with Devon Wildlife Trust to monitor and encourage greater bio-diversity across the estate.

Agricultural custody

Like most farms, Fursdon has not been immune from the need to diversify, however, farming remains very much a core aspect of the estate. The particularly scenic views and rural character which make the Fursdon estate so special are dependent on the agricultural custody of the land. It retains many of the traditional features present for hundreds of years, such as ancient trees and hedgerows, old lanes and agricultural buildings.

Our orchards

The re-planting of three original orchards allows Fursdon to produce its own cider and apple juice, the latter of which is sold at Fursdon’s tea room.

Did you know?

Fursdon house stands on a 600ft contour line. The highest point on the estate is Cadbury Castle, the site of an ancient Iron Age fort – home of the Dragon mentioned in Risdon’s survey of Devon 1626. Firdown is a hilltop copse of beech trees and on a clear day you can see the sea at Sidmouth gap to the south east, Dartmoor to the south west and Exmoor to the north.